Founded in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney (the website for the holiday says he is sometimes called the Ambassador of Hugs!) National Hug Day falls in between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, every year. In other words, a bright spot in a dismal stretch, the antidote to what’s come to be known as Blue Monday.

If you know me in the real world (read: outside of the interwebs) you know that I’m a big fan of hugs.

…studies show that folks who are regularly hugged by their close friends and family have reduced heart rates, lower blood pressure, increased nerve activity and more upbeat moods. A survey of successful marriages even showed that hugging and touching (not sexual intercourse), were the key factors in keeping the relationship long-lasting.

If you keep reading all of the benefits they mention that hugs can bust out more positive juju than frequenting church. Another study said that peeps who are getting their hugs on the regular are two times as likely to refer to their mental health as first rate.

So there you have it, folks…hugs are totally bad-ass and can pretty much help you live forever (or something…I don’t really get science) all the while you get to hug someone and feel awesome.

Now get out there and hug someone today!

(Author’s Note: You should maybe ask the person first, you know, just in case…)